Airborne 08.18.17

Was Preparing To Fly An American Eagle Airplane To New York

An American Eagle pilot conducting pre-flight checks at about 0630 CST Friday was arrested by airport police at Minneapolis-St. Paul international airport and charged with being under the influence of alcohol.

Airport police were notified by an unnamed witness who said they smelled what they though was alcohol on the pilot's breath. The authorities boarded the airplane at the airport and administered a Breathalyzer test before arresting the pilot. No passengers had boarded the airplane, according to the Associated Press.

The pilot was taken to a hospital for a blood-alcohol analysis and then returned to the custody of the airport police. He has been suspended by the airline pending an investigation of the incident.

The flight was reportedly delayed for about 2 1/2 hours until a replacement pilot arrived at the airport. The airline is reportedly cooperating fully in the investigation.